Author: Matt Burnham

Another school year is round the corner. The Korematsu PTSA is here to help you navigate middle school. We also work closely with school administration to organize programs and events that support student success.

FIRST DAY!
School begins Monday, August 22^nd

First Bell rings at 8:10 a.m.  It is a Minimum Day.  School ends at 1:25 p.m.

SCHEDULES, ID’s 
Schedules given out at orientation were draft schedules. There could be changes. There will be lists posted around the school and also adults standing around campus holdings lists, directing students to their first period class. Once they are in their first period class, they will get a copy of their official schedule.If a student was unable to come and get their ID picture taken prior to the first day of school, they need to go to class and we will make an announcement letting them know when they can come to get their ID. This will NOT be done on the first day.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

1. School ID on lanyard.
2. Map of campus.
3. Sharpened pencils and erasers (mistakes OK!!).
4. Lunch or meal card or cash to purchase.
5. Binder with paper inside.
6.   Backpack to hold it all!
7.   Some returning students report they used a composition book for each class. You may need a 5-tab binder with pockets to hold handouts.  Teachers will tell students what is required for class.If you buy ahead, save the receipt in case a teacher changes it up.
8. You do not change for P.E. on the first day.

DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS
Drive around the school in a clockwise direction.  Drop and pick up students at the marked, designated areas on Norvell and Lawrence.  For student safety, and to improve traffic flow, drop students on the school side of the street.  Please refrain from dropping students directly in front of the school on Donal Avenue.  In the mornings and afternoons, Donal Avenue is used by AC Transit and other buses, therefore, it must be kept clear so that the buses can make their stops.

Parking
There is no parking on the school side of Donal Avenue. The school side of Donal Avenue must be kept clear for AC Transit and other bus use.  Please park legally on Lawrence, Gladys or Norvell Streets.

Please respect our neighborhood and our neighbors.  Please refrain from blocking any driveways …. even for a minute … and always follow traffic rules and regulations.

AC Transit
AC Transit runs dedicated routes to and from Richmond.  These routes run only on school days Monday to Friday and the schedules are timed to match the hours of local schools and operate only when schools are in session.  Even though these buses are specific to school schedules, they are open to all passengers at regular fare. Find routes here!  667  668 675 

HOW TO STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED
 SUBSCRIBE TO THE ETREE.  Email us at koremastuptsa@gmail.com to be added.  We publish The Phoenix, every Thursday (and occasional reminders when needed).

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GOOGLE CALENDAR, which lists events at Korematsu.
How to subscribe:

1. Go to our Google Calendar.
2. Click on the “+GoogleCalendar” button in the lower right hand corner.
3. Follow the Google prompts and the Korematsu events will now populate your calendar!

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK – THE ONLINE CONVERSATION ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING OUR CHILDREN’S LIVES

Post. Like. Share. Comment. Tag. Korematsu on Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PortolaMiddleSchool

PARTICIPATE IN OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS and meet new and returning students and their families, staff, and Principal Burnham at the:

Ice Cream Social
Saturday, August 20, 3 to 5 PM, Castro Clubhouse & Park (next to Korematsu Campus).

Free Event. For a more fun way to meet people, try volunteering at the event. Please sign up for the Ice Cream Social here

Back to School Pizza Picnic
Thursday, August 25, 5 to 7 PM, Korematsu Amphitheater (outside the Multipurpose Room)

$5 per person (pizza, salad, drinks & dessert). The event could use your energy. Please sign up for the Pizza Picnic here

UPCOMING EVENTS/PROGRAMS:

MATH CLUB
Every Wednesday, starting August 24, both lunchtimes. Room A201.

Math Club is a lunchtime activity where get help with homework, play games and solve puzzles, and earn extra credit and have fun with math!

Parent volunteers are warmly welcome and are needed to provide support (NO MATH KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY)! Contact: korematsuptsa@gmail.com and we will send you on to the proper people. Sponsored and paid for by your PTSA.

PROBLEMS WELCOME!!

AFTER SCHOOL MATH TUTORING
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Starts Monday, August 29, Room A201. Hours: Mon 2:30-3:30 Tues 2:30-3:30 Thurs 2:30-3:30. Wednesday and other minimum days 1:30-2:30.

This after school hour is open to anyone in our community that needs help with math.  Parents and guardians of Korematsu students are welcome to attend too!  Just bring any math work you need help with or any math questions you might have. No appointment necessary, but students are expected to abide by regular classroom behavior expectations or they will be asked to leave. Room A201. Sponsored and paid for by your PTSA.

NEED MORE INFO ON PTSA MEMBERSHIP AND DIRECT DONATIONS?
Sign up over our website. Go to KorematsuMiddleSchool.org. Click on the yellow Donate button, which will take you to our PayPal link. In the “Comments” field, enter “PTSA Membership” and we will do the rest!

REGISTRATION UPDATE

LOCATION CHANGE

Registration has moved to the MPR!

Apologies for the change in location, but this is our first event on the new campus! After analyzing flow, we think we’ll have a much more efficient and positive experience in the MPR.

Enter at the Lawrence Street or Donal Avenue entrances.

PE CLOTHES

PE Clothes are $22. $11 for the top, and $11 for the bottom. Cash only.  However, if you don’t like ours, and because we are a public school, you do not need to buy them from us.  Any plain grey top/short combination as pictured above will suffice as long as it allows for easy movement.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

We realize the notice is short….if all incoming 7^th graders can bring immunization records, it would be very helpful.  There are new laws in effect this year and the Tdap shot is required among others. Eventually, if records are not received, your child will not be allowed to attend class.  If you can bring them, great.  If not, additional communication will go out about the new law and the new immunization needs.

MAKE-UP REGISTRATION

JUST COME ON IN!

Thank you all for calling!  Due to the overwhelming number of people that are unable to make the August 9th-11th dates, please come to the Main Office August 15-19 anytime between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There is no need to set an appointment.  It is our preference for you to come in before school begins, because learning begins on the first day.  But, if you absolutely can’t come before the first day, there will be plenty of staff on hand to direct students to their first class and coordinate student schedule pick-up. Announcements will be made during school.  Don’t worry!  Everyone will find their way!

WELCOME TO KOREMATSU!

As a reminder, registration will take place in the Korematsu Gymnasium on 7125 Donal Ave next week (see schedule below).  During registration, parents and guardians will complete forms and pick up class schedules, as well as get necessary materials, including textbooks and PE clothes. Students are encouraged, but not required to attend.   If you will be on vacation, please contact the school office at (510) 231-1449.

7th Grade Registration is on Tuesday, August 9^th
9 AM — A to H
10 AM — I to Q
11 AM — R to Z

8th Grade Registration is on Wednesday, August 10^th
9 AM — A to H
10 AM — I to Q
11 AM — R to Z

Make-up Day for All Grades is on Thursday, August 11^th, 9 AM to Noon.

What You Should Bring:
Bag or backpack for textbooks
Money for PE Supplies (Cash Only) and/or Korematsu Spirit items (Cash, Check  or Credit Card)

PARKING
Parking is limited. Please park around the school in any of the legal parking spots on Donal, Lawrence or Norvell. Please do not park in loading zones or block neighbors’ driveways.  Respect the neighborhood.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT REGISTRATION! 
Parent volunteers are welcome (and needed) at registration. Help is especially needed Tuesday, August 9^th and Wednesday August 10^th.  Any amount of time you can donate between 8:30 a.m. and Noon is welcome and appreciated.

Necessitamos personas que hablan Espanol especialmente.  Email: Alice Christie achristie@wccusd.net

FREE AND REDUCED MEAL APPLICATIONS NOW ONLINE!
Free and reduced meal applications are now available online!  

Safe and Secure
The highest level of data encryption is used, meaning that your information is always safe and guarded.

Private and Available
Apply online in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The online service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere there is an Internet connection.

Fast
Your data is transmitted to the Food Services Office the same day you apply, allowing for quicker processing so you receive benefits faster.

Apply in English, Spanish and many other languages!
Click here to learn more
Apply by clicking on this link!

KOREMATSU SPIRIT WEAR
If you are looking to buy Korematsu t-shirts and sweatshirts right now, we have a limited number of last season’s items that will be on sale during Registration and at the two socials. Today’s sweatshirt price is $20 (instead of $28) and t-shirt price is $10 (instead of $15). While supplies last.  When they are gone, they are gone!

COMMUNICATIONS AT KOREMATSU
Don’t miss out on important school-related information! Get on the e-tree and invite others to do the same!

The GOOGLE GROUP E-Tree is our prime communication method on campus.  Every Thursday the PTSA publishes “The Phoenix” newsletter electronically. It contains announcements of upcoming events, programming and links to online content.

Join the KOREMATSU GOOGLE GROUP. To be added, email us at: korematsuPTSA@gmail.com

“LIKE” us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PortolaMiddleSchool

SOCIALS!!!
Come meet new friends and catch up with the old at the following socials:

Ice Cream Social (Free Event)
Saturday, August 20, 3 to 5 PM
Castro Clubhouse & Park
(next to Korematsu Gym)

Back to School Pizza Picnic
Thursday, August 25^th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Korematsu Amphitheater
(Outside the Multipurpose Room)
$5 per person (pizza, salad, drinks & dessert)
Parents, Guardians, Students, Siblings – All Welcome!

It’s become an annual tradition, a get-to-know-you event before the start of school to chase away the middle-school jitters.  Saturday, August 20th 3-5pm, Castro Park Clubhouse.  We will see you there!!

It’s become an annual tradition, a get-to-know-you event before the start of school to chase away the middle-school jitters.  This year we are planning an ice cream social, likely to be held in Castro Park.  Date and time: Saturday, August 20th 3-5pm.  More details to follow.  We will see you there!!

Here is this flyer in PDF if you would like to save/print.

Tuesday, June 7th

6:00 p.m. Start Time

Please be advised that the promotion ceremony start time changed to 6:00 p.m.   We’ll be outside the MPR in our amphitheater and want a little extra daylight for the festivities.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016  7:00 p.m.  OPEN TO ALL!

Screenagers probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including the director’s own, and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through surprising insights from authors and brain scientists solutions emerge on how we can empower kids to best navigate a digital world.   $10 Adult; $5 student with ID and anyone with financial hardship (no questions asked).   Buy tickets by clicking on this link.  Suitable for kids and adults.     Click here to learn more about this movie.